Restaurant Cash Register: 7 Key Features & Choosing The Right One

How to Choose a Restaurant Cash Register

Selecting the right cash register is a game-changer for restaurant owners. It’s not just about processing payments—it’s about streamlining operations, enhancing the customer experience, and setting your business up for growth. 

In fact, as of 2022, 32% of restaurateurs reported that installing a new POS system was a priority, with 46% looking to upgrade so they can provide a smoother experience across dine-in, online ordering, and delivery services. 

Additionally, 71% use data from their POS systems to optimize menus, simplify payments, and boost digital engagement. Meanwhile, 86% rely on this data to improve loyalty programs, discounts, and marketing strategies.

So, let’s explore seven must-have features for a restaurant cash register and break down how the right technology—like Toast POS—can simplify operations, save time, and improve profitability.

Key takeaways

• A modern restaurant cash register integrates payment processing, order management, kitchen communication, and more into one seamless workflow, saving time and minimizing errors.

• Features like flexible payment options and loyalty programs enhance guest satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.

• Advanced POS systems offer scalability and customization, making them especially important for growing businesses or restaurants with diverse service models.

• Systems with third-party platform integrations ensure smooth operations across dine-in, delivery, and pickup services.

Types of restaurant cash registers

The type of cash register you choose can have a significant impact on your staff's efficiency and your customers' experience. Selecting the right system depends on your restaurant’s size, type, and operational needs.

Traditional cash registers

Traditional cash registers are best suited for small operations, pop-ups, or businesses that require only basic functionality. They’re easy to set up and operate, making them a practical choice for businesses with simple needs. 

However, they lack advanced features such as integrations with kitchen systems or detailed reporting tools. This limitation makes them unsuitable for high-volume or full-service restaurants, as they can’t scale to meet the demands of your growing operation.

Point of sale (POS) terminals

POS terminals, on the other hand, are ideal for full-service restaurants and high-volume establishments that require robust management tools. 

These systems go beyond simple payment processing by offering features such as table management, order tracking, kitchen integration, and detailed reporting. POS terminals are also scalable and customizable, which allows them to adapt to the needs of growing restaurants.

For businesses that prioritize efficiency and data-driven decision-making, POS terminals provide the flexibility and functionality to streamline operations and enhance service.

Mobile handheld POS systems

Mobile handheld POS systems are a great option for restaurants offering tableside service, food trucks, or outdoor dining. These lightweight and portable devices allow servers to take orders, process payments, and split checks directly at the table. 

By reducing the need for back-and-forth trips to a central register, handheld systems improve service speed and customer satisfaction. They’re particularly useful for establishments with limited space or high turnover rates, where quick and efficient service is essential.

Nathan Ladovsky, CEO of United Bakers Dairy Restaurant, said:

“Bottom line, the [Toast Go] is a game changer. The staff have really taken to them and the ability to process payment from the same devices that accept orders is just amazing. The feedback from both staff and guests is overwhelmingly positive!”

Self-ordering kiosks

Self-ordering kiosks are perfect for fast-casual and quick-service restaurants aiming to reduce wait times and labor costs. These interactive systems let customers place their own orders, customize menu items, and pay independently. By automating the ordering process, self-service kiosks improve order accuracy and increase turnover during busy hours.

QSR reports that restaurant customers usually purchase 10-30% more than those who actually speak with employees. Panera Bread saw an 11.5% increase in sales two years after implementing self-ordering kiosks.

Hope Neiman, chief marketing officer at Tillster, told Forbes:

“With kiosks, we are able to be smart about what menu items to showcase, which makes it easier to upsell or cross-sell… When you get smarter about how to showcase your menu, you’re not just growing your topline, but also your bottom line and that’s where this technology thrives.”

7 essential restaurant cash register features

A modern restaurant cash register is a centralized system that connects your front-of-house, back-of-house, and customer experience. Designed to handle the unique demands of food service, POS systems integrate payment processing, order management, and kitchen communication into one seamless workflow.

By streamlining operations and addressing these challenges, the right system ensures staff efficiency, a well-stocked kitchen, and satisfied customers. Here’s a closer look at the essential features your restaurant cash register should offer.

Seamless sales processing

Restaurants often handle more complex sales scenarios than other retail businesses, from splitting bills for groups to managing open tabs. A robust cash register should streamline these operations effortlessly, so look for systems that:

• Automate tax calculations.

• Track gratuities.

• Adjust for variable pricing like happy hours or combo deals.

These features not only save time, but also minimize errors during peak service hours, ensuring smooth operations for your staff. For example, Julie Stark, co-owner of Mongers Market + Kitchen, said:

“We were looking for a system that gave Mongers flexibility… Shane does a lot of off-menu specials, based on what he is able to source. Being able to make quick and easy changes without backend work is a huge advantage.”

Additionally, modern diners expect a range of payment choices. Your cash register should accommodate:

• Traditional credit and debit cards.

• Mobile wallets, like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

• Contactless payments.

Comprehensive inventory management

Efficient inventory management is crucial for maintaining a well-organized kitchen and avoiding service disruptions. A modern restaurant cash register integrates seamlessly with inventory tracking systems, allowing you to monitor ingredient usage in real time. 

For instance, when a dish is sold, the system automatically deducts the corresponding quantities of ingredients from your stock. This up-to-date data helps prevent unexpected shortages and streamlines purchasing decisions.

Additionally, these tools offer automated ordering, as well as provide valuable insights into inventory turnover and menu performance by linking sales data to ingredient costs. This empowers you to identify high-margin items, refine low-performing dishes, and optimize your menu for profitability—all while reducing food waste and boosting efficiency.

Customer-centric features

Today’s restaurant cash registers go beyond payment processing to elevate the customer experience. For example, storing customer preferences—like dietary restrictions or favorite dishes—helps your team to deliver a personalized dining experience.

For restaurants with loyalty programs, an integrated system makes it easy to enroll customers, track rewards, and apply them at checkout. These customer relationship management (CRM) tools simplify interactions and encourage repeat visits by rewarding diners for their loyalty.

Lastly, be sure to think about online ordering integration to enable customers to place orders directly from your website or app. This not only expands your reach, but also provides a seamless experience for diners who prefer takeout or delivery. 

HOUSEpitality Restaurant Group, which operates eight restaurants in Richmond, VA, used  Toast Mobile Order & Pay to help increase profits 7-10%. Owner Kevin Healy said:

“Speed of service is better for everyone. Not having to wait to do the administrative work of cashing out, that’s better for everyone. Being able to order what you want, when you want - that’s better. Is it exactly the same? No, it’s not, but I believe it’s a better experience.”

Integrated kitchen communication

Effective communication between the front-of-house and kitchen is essential for smooth operations. Your system should integrate seamlessly with kitchen display systems to ensure servers send orders to the kitchen accurately and instantly. This minimizes errors, reduces preparation times, and keeps service running efficiently.

Advanced systems can prioritize orders based on urgency, such as time-sensitive dishes or high-priority tickets, enabling your kitchen to work smarter and deliver a consistent dining experience.

Delivery and pickup functionality

According to a report by DoorDash, 75% of diners order on third-party delivery/takeout at least twice per month, and 33% report placing repeat orders at least weekly. As delivery and takeout services continue to grow, your cash register should be equipped to handle these demands seamlessly.

Systems that integrate with third-party platforms like DoorDash or UberEats eliminate the need for manual order entry, reducing errors and saving valuable time. All orders—whether dine-in, pickup, or delivery—can flow through a single system, simplifying operations and ensuring consistent service.

In addition to streamlining order processing, these integrations provide consolidated reporting across revenue streams, making it easier to analyze performance and identify opportunities for growth.

Table management tools

For dine-in restaurants, efficient table management is key to delivering excellent service and maintaining a smooth workflow. 

A POS system with interactive table mapping capabilities allows you to visualize your dining room in real time. This means staff can quickly track table statuses—whether they’re open, occupied, or ready for cleanup—enabling faster seating and turnover.

These tools also simplify communication between servers and the kitchen by linking orders to specific tables, which improves accuracy and reduces delays during busy periods.

Advanced reporting and analytics

Detailed reports on sales, costs, and menu performance help you identify trends and make data-driven decisions. These insights give you a competitive edge, helping you refine operations and boost your bottom line.

For instance, analyzing peak sales times can help you optimize staffing schedules, while menu performance data allows you to adjust pricing or promotions for maximum profitability. Advanced analytics can also forecast demand, reducing food waste and ensuring your inventory matches customer needs. 

How to choose the best restaurant cash register

Selecting the right cash register is crucial for your restaurant’s long-term success. By following these steps, you can select a cash register that enhances your operations and supports your restaurant’s growth:

1. Assess your restaurant type: Consider your specific requirements based on whether you operate a quick-service restaurant, fine dining establishment, or food truck.

2. List must-have features: Identify essential features like table management, inventory integration, or delivery app compatibility.

3. Set a budget: Factor in upfront and ongoing costs, including hardware expenses, subscription fees, and transaction fees. Toast offers Starter Kits for as little as $0/month with no upfront hardware costs.

4. Prioritize ease of use: Opt for an intuitive system that minimizes training time and reduces errors during busy periods.

5. Plan for growth: Choose a scalable system that can support additional terminals, multi-location management, or advanced features as your business expands.

6. Request demos and trials: Test the system’s usability and ensure it aligns with your workflow before committing.

7. Research and get recommendations: Read reviews and seek insights from other restaurant owners about their experiences.

8. Verify support and updates: Ensure the provider offers dependable technical support, regular updates, and training resources.

9. Check security compliance: Verify adherence to PCI compliance and encryption standards to safeguard customer data.

Toast: the ultimate restaurant cash register

Choosing the right cash register is a pivotal decision for any restaurant. From seamless sales processing to advanced reporting and inventory management, the ideal system does so much more than just handle transactions.

With Toast’s POS, you get all these features and more. Designed specifically for restaurants, Toast offers a scalable, user-friendly solution that meets the unique demands of the food service industry. Whether you're managing a bustling  fine dining restaurant, a food truck, or a quick-service operation, Toast can help streamline your processes, save time, and improve profitability. Take the next step in optimizing your restaurant operations—explore how Toast POS can elevate your business.

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